Prednisolone - is it possible to manage the side effects? Am worried.

[WorkingItOutAsIGo]

I am starting prednisolone 20mg a day today and am really worried about side effects. I am most concerned about weight gain (as I am already overweight) and mood swings. Has anyone had any success in coping with those? Does the weight gain just happen without you doing anything or can you limit it through diet and exercise? I've seen my daughter when on steroids for her asthma and she gets quite manic - I dread the thought of being out of control like that in front of my kids. Anyone have any advice or experience to share? Thanks so much.

I was on the same dose for a few months and I had no side effects whatsoever! 20mg a day is still a very low dose, so I wouldn't worry too much. Is there a possibility you will be able reduce the dose over time? I'm currently alternating between 5mg and 10mg a day, and it's absolutely fine.

I've been on it for asthma/bronchitis. It's a fabulous drug...brilliant and very effective. Didn't have any noticeable side effects.

I (and my parents) always dreaded my times on prednisolone. I ate like a horse! Honestly, just hungry all the time. Thankfully my times on it were few and short, and I was a growing lass so it didn't affect me badly (just my parents' food bills!)

I currently have 6 weeks of it every summer at 10-20mg a day and at that dose I haven't noticed the change in appetite.

The weight gain does come from the increased appetite, and giving in to it. So if you notice it I guess you have to fight hard to stay on the same diet you were before and you might have a chance of staying the same weight.

Thank you all so much! I had no idea whether 20mg was low or not so am really reassured to hear about your three experiences and at that dose you have little bad to report. My doctor actually wants me on 40mg but I negotiated the lower start to get used to it - I tend to react really strongly to any drugs - I get a bit high on nurofen! - so I hope I can stay at 20mg.

I am certainly hoping sausages (was going to write S&M and then decided this abbreviation better) that it is a magical drug for me and will solve the problems I've been having.

Em - I am reassured the weight gain is due to eating more - I wasn't sure if it was metabolism changes. I am currently following a strict naturopathic diet so if I have the will power to stick to it (a big if! I didnt get this size by having lots of will power round food!) then hopefully I will be OK. Otherwise a padlock on the fridge...

Thanks so much.